Patentable/Patents/US-11509875
US-11509875

Enhanced color consistency for imaging

PublishedNovember 22, 2022
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods for enhancing color consistency in images are disclosed. A method may include activating, by a device, a camera to capture first image data; while the camera is capturing the first image data, activating of a first light source; receiving the first image data, the first image data having pixels having first color values; identifying first light generated by the first light source while the camera is capturing the first image data; identifying, based on the first image data, second light generated by a second light source; generating, based on the first light, the second light, and a distance between the camera and the vehicle light, second color values for the pixels of the first image data; generating second image data based on the second color values; and presenting the second image data.

Patent Claims
13 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the device is a smartphone, and wherein the first light source is a flashlight.

Plain English Translation

A smartphone-based system for detecting and analyzing environmental conditions using a built-in flashlight. The system addresses the need for portable, low-cost environmental monitoring by leveraging existing smartphone hardware to measure light absorption or reflection properties of substances or surfaces. The flashlight emits light at a specific wavelength or range, which interacts with the target material. A sensor, such as a camera or dedicated photodetector, captures the reflected or transmitted light to analyze changes in intensity, spectrum, or other optical properties. This data is processed to determine characteristics like material composition, contamination levels, or environmental conditions. The method may involve comparing the captured data against reference values stored in the device or a remote database to identify specific substances or conditions. The system can be used for applications such as food safety inspection, air quality monitoring, or industrial process control, providing real-time feedback without requiring specialized equipment. The use of a smartphone ensures widespread accessibility and ease of use, while the flashlight serves as a controlled light source for consistent measurements.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the device is associated with a vehicle.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for monitoring and managing a device associated with a vehicle. The device is configured to detect and analyze environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, or air quality, within the vehicle. The system collects data from the device and processes it to determine whether the conditions meet predefined thresholds or criteria. If the conditions exceed or fall below these thresholds, the system generates an alert or notification to inform the user or a remote monitoring system. The system may also adjust vehicle settings, such as climate control or ventilation, to mitigate the detected conditions. The device may be integrated into the vehicle's onboard diagnostics system or connected wirelessly to ensure real-time monitoring. The method includes continuously or periodically sampling environmental data, comparing it against stored thresholds, and triggering corrective actions or alerts based on the analysis. The system may also log historical data for trend analysis and predictive maintenance. This invention addresses the need for real-time environmental monitoring in vehicles to enhance passenger comfort, safety, and vehicle longevity.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the first light source is a tail light of the vehicle.

Plain English Translation

A vehicle lighting system includes a first light source and a second light source, where the first light source is a tail light of the vehicle. The system is designed to enhance visibility and communication between vehicles, particularly in low-light or high-traffic conditions. The first light source emits light in a first direction, while the second light source emits light in a second direction, distinct from the first. The system may include a controller that adjusts the intensity, color, or pattern of the emitted light based on vehicle conditions, such as speed, braking, or turning. The tail light serves as the primary light source, providing rearward illumination to alert following vehicles. The second light source may be positioned to emit light forward, sideways, or in another direction to improve visibility from multiple angles. The system may also incorporate sensors to detect environmental factors, such as ambient light levels or weather conditions, and adjust the lighting accordingly. The goal is to reduce accidents by ensuring drivers have clear visual cues about the vehicle's presence and intentions.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The method of claim 1, wherein activating the first light source further comprises flickering the first light source using pulse-wave modulation.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to lighting systems, specifically methods for controlling light sources to enhance visual perception or communication. The problem addressed is the need for improved light modulation techniques to convey information or improve visibility in dynamic environments. The invention describes a method for activating a first light source, where the activation includes flickering the light using pulse-wave modulation. Pulse-wave modulation involves varying the light intensity in a controlled, pulsed manner to create a flickering effect. This modulation technique can be used to encode data, signal alerts, or enhance visibility in low-light conditions. The flickering pattern can be adjusted in frequency, duty cycle, or amplitude to suit different applications, such as traffic signals, emergency lighting, or visual communication systems. The method ensures precise control over the light output, allowing for clear and distinguishable flickering patterns that can be easily interpreted by observers or sensors. The invention may also include additional light sources, where the flickering of the first light source is synchronized or coordinated with other light sources to create complex visual effects or signals. The use of pulse-wave modulation provides a reliable and energy-efficient way to modulate light, making it suitable for various lighting applications.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the second color values is further based on a power spectral density of the first light.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to image processing techniques for enhancing visual quality, particularly in systems where light sources have varying spectral characteristics. The problem addressed is the inconsistency in color reproduction when capturing or displaying images under different lighting conditions, where the spectral power distribution of the light source affects perceived colors. The method involves processing an image by adjusting color values based on the spectral properties of the incident light. Initially, a set of first color values is obtained from an image sensor or display device. These values are then modified to generate second color values, which are optimized for better color fidelity. The adjustment is performed by analyzing the power spectral density (PSD) of the first light illuminating the scene or emitted by the display. The PSD data helps correct color distortions caused by the light source's spectral characteristics, ensuring more accurate and consistent color representation. The method may also include preprocessing steps such as noise reduction or dynamic range adjustment before generating the second color values. The final output is an image with improved color accuracy, particularly in scenarios where the light source has non-uniform spectral distribution. This technique is useful in applications like digital photography, medical imaging, and display technologies where precise color reproduction is critical.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the second light is generated by the second light source and a third light source.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for generating and controlling light output involves multiple light sources to produce a combined light effect. The invention addresses the need for flexible and adjustable lighting solutions, particularly in applications requiring dynamic color or intensity changes. The method includes generating a first light from a first light source and a second light from at least two additional light sources. The second light is produced by a second light source and a third light source, allowing for enhanced control over the combined light output. The light sources may be independently adjustable to modify the characteristics of the generated light, such as color, brightness, or distribution. The system may also include a controller to regulate the operation of the light sources, ensuring precise coordination between them. This approach enables the creation of complex lighting effects while maintaining energy efficiency and reliability. The invention is particularly useful in applications such as stage lighting, automotive headlights, or architectural illumination, where adaptable and high-performance lighting is required. The use of multiple light sources for the second light provides greater flexibility in achieving desired lighting effects compared to single-source systems.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the activation comprises varying a color of the first light source.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for controlling lighting devices, particularly for dynamic color adjustment in lighting applications. The invention addresses the need for flexible and responsive lighting control, allowing users to customize lighting conditions by varying color properties. The method involves activating a first light source by adjusting its color output, enabling dynamic changes in illumination to suit different environments or user preferences. The system may include multiple light sources, where the first light source is selectively activated or modified to achieve desired lighting effects. The color variation can be achieved through electronic control mechanisms, such as adjusting power levels or using color-mixing techniques. This approach enhances user experience by providing adaptable lighting solutions for residential, commercial, or industrial settings. The invention may also integrate with smart home systems or automated lighting controls for seamless operation. The method ensures efficient and precise color modulation, improving energy efficiency and user satisfaction.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the device is a smartphone, and wherein the second light source is a flashlight.

Plain English Translation

A smartphone-based system for enhancing visual perception in low-light environments addresses the challenge of insufficient illumination in dark settings. The system integrates a primary light source, such as a camera flash, with a secondary light source, such as a flashlight, to provide adjustable and directional lighting. The secondary light source is controlled via the smartphone's software, allowing users to adjust brightness, color temperature, or beam angle to optimize visibility. The system may also include sensors to detect ambient light levels and automatically adjust the secondary light source accordingly. Additionally, the smartphone's camera can capture images or video under the enhanced lighting conditions, improving image quality in low-light scenarios. The system may further incorporate machine learning algorithms to analyze lighting conditions and suggest optimal settings for the secondary light source. This approach enhances usability in activities like nighttime photography, navigation, or search-and-rescue operations by providing flexible and adaptive lighting solutions.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The vehicle system of claim 11, wherein the system is associated with a vehicle.

Plain English Translation

A vehicle system is designed to monitor and manage the operational state of a vehicle, particularly focusing on detecting and responding to potential issues that could affect vehicle performance or safety. The system includes sensors and processing components that continuously gather data from various vehicle subsystems, such as the engine, transmission, braking system, and electrical components. The system analyzes this data to identify anomalies, malfunctions, or performance deviations that may indicate a problem. When an issue is detected, the system generates alerts or triggers corrective actions, such as adjusting vehicle settings, notifying the driver, or transmitting diagnostic information to a remote monitoring center. The system may also log historical data for long-term analysis and predictive maintenance. The vehicle system is integrated into the vehicle's onboard network, allowing seamless communication with other vehicle systems and external networks. The goal is to enhance vehicle reliability, safety, and efficiency by proactively addressing potential issues before they escalate. The system may also support remote diagnostics and software updates to keep the vehicle's systems optimized.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The vehicle system of claim 14, wherein the second light source is a tail light of the vehicle.

Plain English Translation

A vehicle lighting system is designed to enhance visibility and safety by dynamically adjusting light output based on environmental conditions. The system includes a primary light source, such as a headlight or brake light, and a secondary light source, which in this case is a tail light. The secondary light source is configured to emit light in response to a detected condition, such as vehicle motion, braking, or ambient light levels. The system may also include sensors to monitor environmental factors like weather, road conditions, or surrounding traffic. The primary and secondary light sources are controlled by a processing unit that adjusts their intensity, color, or pattern to optimize visibility for drivers and pedestrians. The tail light, as the secondary light source, may be activated independently or in coordination with other lights to provide additional warning or signaling. This dynamic lighting approach improves safety by ensuring that the vehicle's lights are always appropriately configured for the current driving conditions. The system may also integrate with vehicle communication networks to share data with other vehicles or infrastructure, further enhancing situational awareness.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The vehicle system of claim 11, wherein to generate the second color values is further based on a power spectral density of the first light.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to a vehicle system for processing light signals, particularly for enhancing the accuracy of light detection and analysis in automotive applications. The system addresses the challenge of accurately interpreting light signals, such as those from headlights or other vehicles, under varying environmental conditions. The system includes a light sensor configured to capture light from a scene, generating first color values representing the detected light. A processing unit then generates second color values by adjusting the first color values based on a power spectral density of the first light. This adjustment compensates for spectral variations in the detected light, improving the system's ability to distinguish between different light sources and environmental conditions. The processing unit may also apply additional adjustments, such as correcting for sensor noise or ambient light interference, to further refine the output. The system may be integrated into a vehicle's advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) or autonomous driving system to enhance situational awareness and safety. The use of power spectral density analysis ensures that the system accurately interprets light signals, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The device of claim 17, wherein the device is a smartphone, and wherein the second light source is a flashlight.

Plain English Translation

A smartphone with an integrated flashlight is used to enhance visual perception in low-light environments. The device includes a primary display and a secondary light source, such as a flashlight, to improve visibility of objects or text. The flashlight is positioned to illuminate areas outside the display, allowing users to read or view content more clearly in dim conditions. The device may also include sensors to detect ambient light levels and automatically adjust the flashlight's brightness or activation based on environmental conditions. This ensures optimal illumination without excessive power consumption. The flashlight can be manually controlled or triggered by specific applications, such as a reading app, to provide targeted lighting. The integration of the flashlight with the smartphone eliminates the need for external lighting devices, enhancing convenience and portability. The system may also include software features to optimize light distribution and reduce glare, improving user experience in various low-light scenarios.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The device of claim 17, wherein the device is associated with a vehicle, and wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause actuation of the vehicle based on the second image data.

Plain English Translation

A vehicle-mounted imaging system captures and processes visual data to enhance situational awareness and autonomous control. The system includes at least one camera configured to generate first image data of a scene, and at least one processor that processes this data to detect objects or conditions in the environment. The processor then generates second image data, which may include annotations, highlights, or modified representations of the detected objects or conditions. This processed data is displayed to a user or used for further analysis. In some implementations, the system is integrated with a vehicle, where the processor uses the second image data to trigger vehicle actions, such as braking, steering, or acceleration, based on the detected objects or conditions. The system may also include additional sensors, such as radar or lidar, to supplement the imaging data. The goal is to improve real-time decision-making for autonomous or assisted driving by providing accurate, processed visual information.

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Patent Metadata

Filing Date

August 6, 2021

Publication Date

November 22, 2022

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